4WD Tracks in Southland

Southland delivers some of the most varied 4WD tracks in the country, from windswept beach runs along Oreti and the Catlins coast to remote backcountry roads threading through Fiordland's river valleys and forest. Expect open beaches, tidal flats, and rugged inland terrain. Come prepared for changeable southern weather, soft sand, and long distances between supplies.

Awarua Bay

Awarua Bay in Southland is a short, easy gravel road out to the Waituna Lagoon, through open coastal wetlands known for birdlife and big skies.

Beach Run

Beach Run is a coastal 4WD route on Southland's southern shore, firm sand and big ocean views with tide timing the key to getting through.

Borland Road

Borland Road is a scenic Southland gravel route climbing through Fiordland powerline country to the Grebe Valley and South Arm Lake campsite.

Centre Hill Road

Centre Hill Road is a scenic Southland gravel route into the Mavora Lakes high country, easy going through tussock and farmland for most vehicles.

Eglinton River Mouth Access

Eglinton River Mouth Access is a short, rough Fiordland 4WD track down to a quiet spot where the river meets Lake Te Anau, popular with anglers.

Hollyford Road

Hollyford Road is a scenic Fiordland gravel drive up the Hollyford Valley beneath the Darran Mountains, easy going and a popular tramping access point.

Jackson River Road

Jackson River Road is a remote Southland gravel route following the Jackson River through wide valleys, an easy scenic drive into isolated country.

Lake Monowai Road

Lake Monowai Road is an easy Southland gravel drive through beech forest to a quiet, remote lake on the Fiordland fringe, suited to most vehicles.

Lillburn Valley Road

Lillburn Valley Road is a quiet western Southland gravel run out to Lake Hauroko, New Zealand's deepest lake, on the edge of Fiordland.

Oreti Beach

Oreti Beach is a wide, hard-packed sand drive west of Invercargill in Southland, one of the few South Island beaches you can drive on.

Oreti River

Oreti River is a remote Southland 4WD track running out to the basic Upper Oreti DOC hut, crossing mixed terrain through quiet, isolated country.

Papatowai Beach

Papatowai Beach is a short tidal beach run in the Catlins, Southland, with an optional river crossing and wild, rugged coastline.

Pauho Road

Pauho Road is a scenic gravel route through the rolling hills of Southland's Deep South, with the best views as you drop towards the bay.

Potters Huts

Potters Huts is a short, easy high-country 4WD run in Southland, finishing at a set of historic huts with a bit of pastoral heritage.

Purakaunui Beach

Purakaunui Beach is a short Catlins beach run in Southland with cliffs behind the sand and access through to 4WD-only coastal campsites.

Purakaunui Road

Purakaunui Road is an easy Southland gravel run through Catlins country out to a popular campsite at the road's end, fine for most vehicles.

Ramparts Road

Ramparts Road is an easy gravel link in Southland through open farming country, a quiet unsealed alternative to the highway that suits most vehicles.

Slope Point Road

Slope Point Road is a short, easy gravel run on the Catlins coast in Southland, leading out to the southernmost point of the mainland.

Slope Point Road (4WD section)

Slope Point Road's 4WD section is a short, tight coastal detour in Southland near mainland New Zealand's southernmost point, easy enough for a stock 4WD.

Supply Bay Road

Supply Bay Road is a short, easy gravel run in Southland dropping down to the harbour edge, suited to most vehicles in fair conditions.

Switzers Road

Switzers Road is an easy-going Southland gravel run through hill country, with open views across rolling farmland and tussock, fine for most 4WDs.

Tautuku Beach

Tautuku Beach is a short, quiet golden sand beach run in the Catlins of Southland, with firm sand and a south end that floods at high tide.

The Nuggets Road

The Nuggets Road is an easy Catlins gravel run out to Nugget Point lighthouse, with coastal lookouts over the rocky islets in the surf below.

Waghorn Road

Waghorn Road is a short, easy gravel access route in Southland running out to the carpark beside a quiet lagoon.

Waituna Lagoon Road

Waituna Lagoon Road is an easy Southland coastal run east of Invercargill, leading to an internationally significant wetland with great birdlife and beach driving.

Winding Creek Road

Winding Creek Road is an easy gravel run through Southland's rolling hill country, with open farmland views and no technical obstacles.

Tracks in other regions

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